“I didn’t think you were still here.”
“Your brother had two classes, so…”
“So you stayed to…?”
“To help out. Isn’t that what you’re supposed to do?”
“What do you mean?”
“When you’re with someone.”
“With someone…” Mila repeats. I open my book again and start reading from the point I’d stopped.
“You two aren’t together,” Mila says suddenly, making the book fall from my hand.
“What do you…? What…?”
She gets up and heads into the kitchen and I follow, watching as she pours herself a glass of water. She turns to face me, leaning against the counter behind her.
“I don’t know what’s really going on between the two of you, but I know it’s not romantic.”
“What makes you think that?”
“Well, for starters, you’re exactly his type.”
“I’m confused.”
“So handsome it hurts. A little rough around the edges, but a softie inside. A string of charming exes from wealthy families you were constantly comparing yourself to, and the bad habit of breaking your heart when things got a little too serious.”
“That’s not me.”
Mila raises an eyebrow.
“Even if some of that is true, you still said that I’m his type.”
“Exactly. And Sean swore that he’d stay away from guys like you.”
I sit on the stool at the breakfast bar, reeled in by Mila’s words.
“Why did he decide that?”
“He has to protect himself, doesn’t he? Have you seen my brother?”
I nod, knowing what she means.
“So… What’s your deal?”
“He’s helping me with something.”
It would make no sense to lie to Mila.
“What about him? What is he gaining from this?”
“Nothing, really.”
Mila smiles. “Classic Sean.”
We sit in silence for a moment, but curiosity gets the better of me.
